AVOIDING THE BIN

THE ABSOLUTE BASICS

You would be amazed at how many candidates disqualify themselves from consideration by making careless, fundamental mistakes in completing application forms. At the very least, you should do the following:

	Get extra originals or make copies of the form. Not a problem for online forms, but make sure you copy and paste the exact wording of the questions down into your workspace.
	Very carefully check through the instructions section - employers can be very specific e.g. block capitals in black ink. Arial font, no smaller than 11 point ...
	Read all the questions on the form thoroughly, making notes on a pad as you go. Do this at least twice.
	Draft your preliminary answers on paper and then sketch out draft on one copy or a spare original. For online forms, do this on a Word document - do not work online.
	Read it through several times and note any improvements you might make.
	Fill in the original. In many instances now, you can do this online. If it has to be handwritten and your calligraphy is not up to scratch, get a friend with really nice handwriting to do it for you.
	Compose your covering letter or email.
	Proof-read everything carefully - get a friend(s) to help you do this to ensure accuracy.
	Copy everything for your records.
	Deliver by registered post or by hand and get a receipt. for online applications, you typically get an acknowledgement email when you have submitted your finished document. Print the timestamped receipt.

There are some elements on a typical application form that can really make a difference ...

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